Make the move - case studies
Stories from essential workers who have made the move to regional NSW.
Making the move to regional NSW offers more than just a change of scenery, it’s a chance to reconnect with what matters. Whether it’s a swim at the lagoon after school pick-up, playing at the park with the kids, or walking your dog by the lake, regional living gives you the time and space to enjoy everyday moments.
With shorter commutes, affordable housing, and welcoming communities, people are finding balance, connection, and fulfilment in places where nature is close and neighbours become friends. From morning runs and casual coffees to spontaneous chats and community events, regional NSW is where work-life balance truly comes to life for essential workers.
Celine’s story
Midwife, Bega
Celine moved from Melbourne to Bega to continue her career as a midwife and found regional life both refreshing and fulfilling. At the local hospital, she feels closely connected to her work and enjoys returning from breaks feeling reenergised.
Outside of work, Celine makes the most of her surroundings by riding her bike from her front gate down to a beautiful lagoon for a swim, or heading to the beach after school pick-up where her family often has the sand and surf to themselves.
For Celine, the move has been about combining meaningful work with a lifestyle that feels like paradise.
“It’s heading to the most stunning beach after school and being the only ones there.”
Celine, Midwife, Bega, Make the Move
Katie’s story
Aboriginal Health Worker, Coffs Harbour
Katie and her partner moved to Coffs Harbour to raise their 2 young daughters, returning to the regional lifestyle she grew up with after years in the city.
Life in Coffs has given her family the space, balance, and sense of community they were looking for. With no long commutes or traffic jams, both parents can spend more time together with their children, taking them to sports, school activities, and enjoying family picnics after work.
Katie says she was surprised at how quickly she built friendships and community ties through her job and her daughters’ activities. The warmth and welcome she’s experienced has made the move even more special.
“What surprised me the most was probably how welcoming everyone was… it’s nice to feel part of more of a community.”
Katie, Aboriginal Health Worker, Coffs Harbour, Make the Move
Marty’s story
Corrective Services and Programs Officer, Wellington
Since making the move to Wellington, Marty says life has changed dramatically. With just a 7-minute commute to work, he’s found more time for the things that matter most. From riding his motorcycle through beautiful countryside to playing with his dogs in the extra space around his home.
Marty appreciates the friendly community, cleaner air, and affordable cost of living in Wellington. Buying a home was also a huge win, with a property 3 times the size of what he could have bought in Sydney, for half the cost.
“I’m 7 minutes from work which means I have so much more time to do the things that I love.”
Marty, Corrective Services Program Officer Wellington, Make the Move
Kirstie’s story
Primary Teacher, Muswellbrook
Kirstie made the move from Inverell to Muswellbrook more than 5 years ago with her husband, who works in the mines. She has embraced the balance of casual teaching in local public schools with an active and family-oriented lifestyle.
In her spare time, she loves camping trips to Glenbawn Dam, kicking the footy after school and training at the Muswellbrook CrossFit gym with her family, where community spirit runs high.
Kirstie says the close connections she and her family have built are what makes regional life so rewarding.
“For us, it’s belonging to a supportive and close-knit community.”
Kirstie, Primary Teacher, Make the Move
Vamshi’s story
Corrective Services and Program Officer, Dubbo
Vamshi moved to Dubbo more than 9 years ago and hasn’t looked back. He loves the strong sense of community, the relaxed pace of life, and the balance he’s been able to find between work and family.
With no long commutes or time wasted searching for parking, Vamshi has gained more quality time, whether it’s going for a morning run, catching up with mates over coffee before work, or enjoying sports and local activities with his family.
Dubbo’s great services, nearby hospital, and thriving sporting scene make life easy and fulfilling. For Vamshi, the lifestyle shift has been all about connection and balance.
“The culture in the country is more relaxed, people stop and have a yarn. There’s no rush.”
Vamshi, Corrective Services Program Officer, Dubbo, Make the Move
Sharon’s story
Dentist, Coffs Harbour
Sharon relocated to Coffs Harbour to pursue her career in dentistry and embrace the coastal lifestyle. Now working in private practice, she enjoys the professional opportunities regional NSW offers along with the chance to build a fulfilling life outside of work.
Living in Coffs Harbour with her artist husband and her teenage son, Sharon’s passions keep her busy. Whether it’s supporting local art galleries, tending to her garden, or spending time with her dogs.
For Sharon, life in Coffs Harbour provides the perfect mix of career, community, and lifestyle.
“I love the balance here – I can have a fulfilling career while still having the time and space to enjoy the things that make life rich.”
Bessie’s story
Veterinarian, Orange
Bessie moved from Brisbane to Orange at the start of 2024 after graduating from university, beginning her career as a veterinarian at the Orange Veterinary Hospital. Moving on her own, she’s quickly found a welcoming community and a balanced lifestyle in her new regional home.
Afternoons often mean walks with her housemate and their 2 kelpies around Lake Canobolas, a favourite local spot with its tracks, swimming areas, and a relaxed, social atmosphere where it’s easy to bump into friends. On weekends, Bessie enjoys local wineries, live music, and community events like rugby or the country races.
“I love how easy it is to feel part of the community here – you don’t have to plan everything, you just show up and there are always friendly faces.”
Eldho's story
ICU Nurse, Griffith
Eldho relocated from the UK to Griffith and enjoys the benefits of living in regional NSW like the vibrant sense of community and more time for the things he loves.
After work, Eldho loves playing cricket and spending time in the sun with colleagues at the oval near the base hospital. Joining the local church has helped Eldho and his wife find a place in the Griffith community where they have been welcomed with open arms, making the transition so much easier.
“Everyone has been so welcoming. I instantly felt part of the community.”
Image
Regional NSW welcomes you
The Welcome Experience is an exciting new service providing essential workers and their families with the support they need to move into regional communities, settle in and become one of the locals.